November 28, 2013

ROACH, Mo. — After defending itself against litigation for a dozen years, Windermere Baptist Conference Center in Missouri filed a lawsuit Oct. 25 accusing the state convention’s lawyer and newspaper of interfering in its business affairs.

Windermere claims in a new lawsuit in Cole County Circuit Court that impediments to updating sewer and water guidelines to meet EPA standards and avoid contaminants being dumped into the Lake of the Ozarks are the latest example of interference by convention leaders. The lawsuit says the impediments have cost the camp more than $5 million in lost business. They are seeking $10 million in damages.

For 12 years Missouri Baptist officials pursued litigation against the conference center, costing Windermere $1.5 million. The convention wanted the ability to elect Windermere trustees or to recover the property directly. The Missouri Supreme Court upheld a ruling in Windermere’s favor in 2009.

“We have sought numerous times to resolve this matter outside the courtroom,” camp trustees said in a statement. “Unfortunately, recent developments involving water quality at the Lake of the Ozarks have made it impossible for Windermere to continue this approach.”

The new lawsuit claims legal tactics by Missouri Baptists prevent Windermere from transferring land containing the current sewer system a nonprofit entity formed to create a public sewer and water system to serve both Windermere and about 200 other users at the Lake of the Ozarks. The lawsuit also charges convention officials with making false statements designed to discourage anyone seeking to help Windermere.